Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) has attributed recent widespread power outages across the country to a technical fault and chemical mishap at Hwange Power Station.
According to ZPC, the problem began on Sunday, May 4, 2025, when Unit 2 at Hwange Power Station shut down around 11:00 AM due to a tube leak. Simultaneously, engineers observed that the water circulating through the unit had become dangerously acidic, exhibiting high conductivity and low pH levels, indicating significant contamination.
“Hwange Power Station experienced a loss of Unit 2 at approximately 11:00 AM due to a tube leak… the water exhibited elevated conductivity and significantly low pH levels, indicating possible contamination by acidic material,” ZPC explained in a statement.
The acidic water, originating from the station’s treatment plant, spread throughout the system, forcing all operating units to shut down. ZPC responded by isolating the contaminated treatment plant and flushing the entire system. While the water supply has been stabilized, the acidic contamination has caused considerable damage to the boilers, particularly in Units 1 and 2.
“Subsequent investigations have identified the water treatment plant as the source… Significant tube leaks were identified on Units 1 and 2,” the utility confirmed.
Repair work is currently underway. ZPC anticipates that Unit 1 will be back in operation by midnight on Wednesday, May 7. Technicians are also conducting pressure tests and repairs on Units 3, 4, and 6, which were operating at the time of the incident.
ZPC projects that all five affected units will be fully operational by the end of the day on Friday, May 9, 2025.
“All five affected units are projected to be fully operational by the end of day on Friday, 9 May 2025,” the company said.